TORONTO – In 2024, more than 400 members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were involved in disciplinary proceedings for alleged misconduct. In approximately 5% of cases, the outcome was dismissal or forced resignation, according to data released by the federal police force itself. The rate of such measures increased significantly, rising fivefold compared with the previous year. Another ten cases resulted in demotions, doubling the numbers recorded in 2022 and 2023. 

“This trend indicates a movement towards more serious disciplinary outcomes, aligning with the RCMP’s emphasis on accountability and proportionate responses to misconduct,” reads the 2024 report on the disciplinary review process, published online on January 21 (the full report is available here: RCMP – Report 2024).

Looking in more detail, 443 disciplinary proceedings were opened in 2024, involving a total of 408 RCMP members, including officers and civilian staff, out of a total workforce of 21,641. The number of cases marks a return to 2020 levels, after falling below 400 between 2021 and 2023. According to the report, the drop during those years was partly due to remote and hybrid work arrangements implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report does not, however, provide details of the individual incidents. It notes that 32% of the 2024 cases involved “discreditable conduct,” a category that includes inappropriate social media posts, sexual misconduct, and Criminal Code offenses. Twenty-two percent of cases involved violations of respect and courtesy, while 3% involved allegations of improper use of force and another 3% involved abuse of authority.

Among the 408 members facing misconduct allegations, 61% were constables and 17% corporals. Only 3% of the cases involved civilian personnel, such as administrative staff and 911 call operators.

The report states that it was common for members under investigation to be suspended with pay or temporarily reassigned during the inquiry. Only in two cases was pay and allowances suspended as an interim measure, a decision deemed necessary under “exceptional circumstances.” Nearly 30% of proceedings concluded with “remedial” measures, such as mandatory training and increased supervision, down from 51% in 2023. More serious sanctions increased: cases resulting in “disciplinary” measures, such as deferred promotions, rose from 34% to 42%.

The most severe outcomes—demotions and ineligibility for promotion—also increased, from 14% in 2023 to 24% in 2024. In 5% of cases, the outcome was dismissal or forced resignation, up from 1% the previous year. The report does not specify whether any decisions were later overturned on appeal, which RCMP members can pursue through an independent external review committee.

The federal police force announced that in 2025 it will take further measures “to assess and improve how serious misconduct is addressed and communicated. Increasing openness about misconduct outcomes is essential to shifting organizational culture and enhancing the trust and confidence of employees, partners, and the diverse communities that we so proudly serve.” Indeed, a bit more transparency would not hurt, considering that we are talking about “discreditable conduct” by those who should, above all, set a good example.

In the pic above, the photo of the cover of the report